Monday, February 25, 2008

Rangers Wait For Tampa's Decision on Boyle

Larry Brooks at The New York Post reports that the Rangers are waiting on Tampa Bay Lightning ownership to decide what they are doing with Dan Boyle...

"The Post has learned that Tampa Bay ownership and management will meet this morning to consider the feasibility of signing the impending free agent defenseman to a contract extension...

If negotiations between the club and Boyle fail to produce an agreement, GM Jay Feaster will then ask Boyle to provide a list of teams for which he'd be willing to waive his no-trade clause. The Rangers would be at the top of a very short list, should the 31-year-old, dynamic game-changer agree to that request.

Sources have told The Post that the Rangers' interest in Boyle goes far deeper than merely acquiring the defenseman as a rental. Indeed, it is believed that GM Glen Sather would ask for permission to negotiate a long-term contract with Boyle..."

Brooks also reports on other Ranger trade rumors...

Contrary to reports, the Rangers have no interest whatsoever in Toronto defenseman Bryan McCabe. The Blueshirts do have interest in renting St. Louis' prospective free agent defenseman Barret Jackman, but the price in return is expected to be far too high for Sather's liking. Adam Foote has indicated a desire to sign a new deal in Columbus rather than become a rental; in any case, Foote is believed to have no interest in waiving his no-trade to come to New York.

As reported in yesterday's Post, the Rangers are keenly interested in winger Rob Schremp, Edmonton's 2004 first-rounder...an offensive talent who was selected 25th overall, subsequently recorded 57 goals and 145 points for OHL London in 2005-06.

The Post has learned that Hugh Jessiman, the 12th overall selection in 2003...has been part of the conversation with the Oilers. Lowe, however, is believed to be asking for much more than Jessiman.

...despite the Rangers strong play over the last month, they are in desperate need of help on the power play. The Rangers are 3 for their last 24 on the power play, which includes the 2 for 5 in Montreal. There will be some big spots coming down the stretch when a power play goal is needed and right now I'm not confident that the personnel we have can get the job done. Boyle will be a major upgrade on the point.

Oh Baby you are right in your thinking that Jessiman is the only player from his draft not to have played a game in the NHL. http://nyrangersblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/huge-jessippointment.html. Plus Brooks goes on to say that Edmonton would want more than just Jessiman. I would have been shocked if Edmonton would do a straight up trade.